Letterbox flowers have revolutionised the way we send floral gifts, allowing recipients to receive blooms even when they are not at home. The concept was pioneered over a decade ago by Bloom & Wild co-founders Aron Gelbard and Ben Stanway, who designed stems to fit through a standard letterbox. This innovation sparked an online floristry boom, making it easier than ever to send flowers to loved ones.
However, cut flowers often carry a large carbon footprint due to energy-intensive growing and long-distance transport, especially for out-of-season blooms like roses in the UK. Jessica Blume of the SSAW Collective advises choosing seasonal flowers such as cyclamen, snowdrops, hellebore, and winter blossom, which are also associated with love and ideal for occasions like Valentine's Day.
Among the top services, Flowerfix offers wild and quirky bouquets delivered in a millennial pink box, praised for their longevity and modern aesthetic. Scilly Flowers, based on the Isles of Scilly, specialises in home-grown British flowers like scented narcissi and summer pinks, with plastic-free packaging and a strong floral scent.
Freddie delivers bouquets by bicycle in London or electric vans elsewhere, and partners with Abel & Cole to reduce emissions. Bloom & Wild, the original letterbox flower company, continues to impress with fresh, well-designed bouquets that rival local florists, though at a higher price point.
Flying Flowers has delivered over 12 million bunches in 40 years, supporting British growers and offering next-day delivery if ordered by 4pm. Serenata Flowers crafts each bouquet as a masterpiece, with a narrower but characterful selection that brings sunshine to any home.
